Thank you all for the interesting comments and thank you to those that have expressed that this was an interesting blog. I strive to talk about different topics that we do not regularly see on the site. I am glad that people like the topics that I blog about.

Rejean235 you could have gone on if you like LOL we all love to have people comment and give their viewpoints. It is nice to read others idea's as to how they perceive a subject.

Interesting point! I always think rating a base is the hardest part of the ratings I give in my reviews...

Some figures just come with a really boring or bad base, but I rather not rate too low, because it would mess up the scores unfairly. For example: a really pretty figure, but with a white or black clunky base. If I score the figure an 8 on both painting and sculpt, but give the base a 2 or 3, it would lower the scores of the figure so much. And to me, the figure is always more important than the base, so I don't think it should influence the total score that much.

When a base is very basic (a generic disc that is not too big or small), I will just score it a 5 or 6. All higher points mean they have an interesting shape or sculpt. The only times I score a base (way) lower than a 5 is when it's actually a problem with the figure. For example with ITEM #162402 / blog/18523 I rated the base a 3 back then. Now, a year after writing this review, her shitty base actually made her fall over and she has lost a 'tooth' now. *sigh* I would have rated it a 1 or 2 if I would have written this review now instead of a year ago.

Discussing Bases is a very broad subject and like figures very subjective. One of my favorite is ITEM #144438 yet some collectors did not buy her because of it. For me, it's the one with the most comments from visitors who looked at my collection over the years. Although not part of the original Art Work from Tony picture/632077&... it was added by Teruyuk, the sculptor. The noticeable base initiates the explanation about Toire no Touko-san (Japanese folklore), and the reason for the toilet. It's also usually the start of a discussion about bases. picture/1342319... is as she appears in my display although some figures have been added since I took it. ITEM #13819 has the largest base in my collection; can we include the multiple accessories with it part of the base? Can the simple pillow of ITEM #21818 be considered a base? I think pillows are excellent complementary items with ITEM #6516. Can we consider the blanket under figures like ITEM #164569 really a base?

Bases have many factors for which they can be judged like size, from too small: ITEM #750, I have her leaning against ITEM #78669 since she would fall if left unsupported, to too large: picture/642085&... which takes a lot of shelf space. Colors ipwnboyz (4 months ago) #21304435... ITEM #97006 would get a score of 1 or 2
since the color clashes way to much with the figure to my liking. The seven deadly sins each have a color, orange represents gluttony, and Hobby Japan chose them for their bases in their collection; picture/1456911... (photo of my display). Height is another since very tall figures are more difficult to fit in some display like picture/258893&... a 390mm 1/8 figure which makes it similar to ITEM #464644 coming by GSC. I have shelves for these which includes ITEM #23266 at 440mm.

Is a figure without a base a 0 or could it be just rated as N/A, it obviously has no problem or features? For me scores below 6/10 means it did not pass therefore it must have an unacceptable problem. I have a number of those like ITEM #158 by GSC where the pins are too small and break because of the weight of the skirt, ITEM #13433 had a faulty design and the figure is leaning, etc. ITEM #8033 has a nice looking base but the book is empty and it's really hard to have her left foot completely in the peg or like ITEM #198519.

Some bases have indirect problems: ITEM #27739 is the most expensive figure I had shipped because the bathtub is extremely heavy. Native recognized the problem and had a version without it but for me the figure just isn't the same without it. I prefer elaborate design like ITEM #211409, one of my favorites but it adds cost. GSC offered a cheaper version who was more popular with users: 471 versus 384 for the roof top base. There is also a significant difference in height from 280mm to 170mm for the simple base.

I have some figures displayed with and without the base over time like ITEM #94262 and ITEM #5392 both with standard Griffon's black base. The tombstone with Ten'i adds significant height to the figure but for those who watched Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny can appreciate the choice and is an harmonious design and colors (at least for me).

Bases can enhance the flavor of a figure and I have some displays where I took advantage of this like picture/871624&....

For bases i use a split 10 point system. A base that doesn't function properly can't get a good grade with it.

The first 5 points are calculated like this:
0= Not usable (or a base is not included).
1= Only usable with heavy modifications. It is better to make something yourself.
2= Terrible, some modifications are required.
3= Usable but there is a big risk that you cause some damage by assembling it.
4= Usable but doesn't feel solid.
5= It does what it has to do, no complains.

The second 5 points are calculated like this:
0= No fantasy, plain and too boring to look at. Use this one if the score of the first part is 4 or lower.
1= No fantasy, plain and too boring to look at. Use this one if the score of the first part is 5.
2= A base with some details or decals.
2= A very nice base with some sculpted details. Use this only if the base scores 3 points or less in the first part.
3= A very nice base with some sculpted details. Use this only if the base scores 4 points or more in the first part.
4= A beautyfull base with a lot of details. It is not perfect but they definately did their best to make something nice out of it. Only use this if the score of the first part was 4 or 5 points.
2= A beautyfull base with a lot of details. It is not perfect but they definately did their best to make something nice out of it. Only use this if the score of the first part was 3 points or less.
5= A diorama like base with everything you can think of. The base has to be perfect in looks and in usability to use the 5 points.

Very interesting comments. I am seeing why people give bases such a high score in the reviews. Thank you all that have voted and many thanks to those that have posted their views on how they rate the bases.

I rate bases based on how they compliment the figure. A plain base is probably going to be a 5 - Average or a 6 - Above Average assuming it doesn't have some horrible colour that detracts from the figure. Patterned bases might make it up to a 7 - Good and I'd rate ITEM #287683 base as an 8 - Very Good. It gives off a classy vibe that matches the figure, plus it has some depth to it with the gloss black edge rather than the usual thin bases.

The more elaborate bases depend heavily on how they suit the figure and its pose and it's important that they have a similar quality to the figure itself.